IMEX Malta |
IMEX Malta - It's a personal service. The Gateway to Europe. |
 | 
|
Previous Central Bank Governor Scicluna to Step Down from National Anti-Money Laundering Committee
August 07 2024 07:35 by PCLMedia
Maltas previous Central Bank governor Edward Scicluna will be stepping down from his position on a high-level national committee tasked with combating money laundering and terrorist financing, a government official confirmed.
Scicluna has been serving as a board member of this committee, which includes other notable members such as Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg and Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà.
The decision comes as Scicluna faces trial for fraud and misappropriation charges related to the 2015 privatization of three public hospitals. Other former high-ranking government officials, including ex-prime minister Joseph Muscat, have also been charged with money laundering in connection with the hospital deal. All involved parties deny any wrongdoing.
Committee chairperson Paul Zahra informed the Times of Malta that Scicluna “is relinquishing his role” on the board. The government has already removed Scicluna from the board of governors of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
Additionally, Scicluna "suspended" himself from his role as Central Bank governor last week as part of a compromise with Prime Minister Robert Abela, who had initially threatened to dismiss him. Under the deal, Scicluna will continue to receive a salary of €69,000, albeit on half-pay during his suspension.
Scicluna stated that he was prepared to take his case to the European Court of Justice if there were any attempts to remove him as governor. He agreed to temporarily step aside to clear his name, but emphasized that he would remain governor until the end of his term.
“Had the prime minister relieved me of my duties, I would have resorted to the European Court of Justice and had I won, I would probably have been refunded my lost income. I will step aside only for the time being, but I will remain governor until the end of my term,” he said.
During Scicluna's tenure as finance minister, the government transferred the management of St Luke’s, Karin Grech, and Gozo hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare in 2015. The contract was later taken over by Steward Health Care in 2018, but was annulled last year due to fraud.
A year-long magisterial inquiry concluded that government officials, including Muscat, his chief of staff Keith Schembri, and ex-minister Konrad Mizzi, were complicit in money laundering and corruption. Scicluna and former health minister Chris Fearne were among a second group of officials charged with fraud. The duration of the court case against Scicluna remains uncertain, but legal cases in Malta typically extend over several years.
Unveiling the Controversy
The Vitalis Health Care scandal in Malta has emerged as a significant controversy, shaking the foundations of the nation's health care system and raising questions about governance, transparency, and accountability. This scandal involves allegations of mismanagement, financial irregularities, and potential corruption, implicating several high-profile individuals and entities. As investigations continue, the implications for Malta's health care sector and public trust in institutions are profound.
Vitalis Health Care, a private health care provider, was contracted by the Maltese government to manage and operate several public hospitals. This partnership was heralded as a step towards modernizing the health care infrastructure in Malta, promising improved services and facilities for citizens. However, as details of the arrangement and its execution came to light, concerns began to surface regarding the terms of the contract and the actual performance of Vitalis.
One of the central issues in the Vitalis scandal revolves around financial mismanagement. Reports suggest that substantial amounts of public funds allocated for hospital improvements and patient care were either misused or unaccounted for. Investigations have revealed discrepancies in financial records, leading to suspicions of embezzlement and fraud.
Despite the significant financial investment, the quality of services provided by Vitalis has been widely criticized. Patients and medical staff reported inadequate facilities, shortages of essential medical supplies, and delays in critical treatments. These deficiencies have raised serious questions about Vitalis's capability and commitment to delivering on its contractual promises.
The transparency of the contract between the Maltese government and Vitalis has also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the terms of the agreement were not made sufficiently public, and there was a lack of oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability. This opacity has fueled suspicions of favoritism and potential corruption within the government and Vitalis.
The scandal has significant political ramifications, implicating several high-ranking officials. Opposition parties have seized upon the controversy to criticize the ruling government, calling for resignations and demanding comprehensive investigations. The political fallout has intensified the public's demand for accountability and reforms within the health care system.
In response to the growing outcry, the Maltese authorities have initiated multiple investigations into the Vitalis scandal. These inquiries aim to uncover the full extent of financial irregularities, determine the responsibility of involved parties, and hold accountable those found guilty of wrongdoing. Additionally, legal proceedings have commenced, with several key figures facing charges related to corruption and mismanagement.
Do not hesitat to contact us for more information.